2019 - Best LPN Programs in North Carolina

North Carolina takes great pride in staying on top of cutting-edge nursing policy, education, and practice. To meet a growing demand for nurses, individuals in the state can apply for a licensed practical nurse (LPN) license in the state by completing coursework and taking an exam. By 2026, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that LPN jobs will increase by 12%, making this an excellent time to invest in an education toward a rewarding, growing career field. North Carolina LPNs earn around an hourly wage of $20.16 or annual salary of $41,940, which is roughly $2,090 less per year than national average.

Are you looking to become a licensed practical nurse in North Carolina? The school you choose is important when it comes to getting your license. Approved programs in North Carolina are offered at community colleges, technical centers, and private career schools - we list 38 schools across the state. After careful review of NCLEX-PN exam first-time pass rates over the past several years, we have ranked the top 10 programs. For more information on our LPN program rankings, see our Methodology page.

Details on North Carolina LPN Schools & Classes

North Carolina boasts a great variety of schools offering accredited practical nursing programs. These programs are most commonly found at community colleges and vocational schools in the state. With part-time and full-time options typically available, students can expect the program to take 1-2 years to complete. Some schools offer select class components online as well. Practical nursing programs deliver content via core nursing courses, labs, and supervised clinical experiences. Common course titles include:

Admission Requirements

North Carolina schools offering LPN programs will have varying levels of admission requirements, so students should research schools to find out more about individual requirements. These typically include:

Satisfactory score on the ATI TEAS exam

Submit official transcripts from all high schools and colleges attended (or GED scores)

Completion of all prerequisite courses

Submit application and pay all required fees

Personal essay or statement of goals

Tuition and Costs

Practical nursing program expenses are undoubtedly on the mind of any potential LPN student. Due to the program being offered primarily at community colleges, fees can be quite reasonable, though this can vary between schools. Students must cover the costs of tuition, required fees, and course materials (books and other supplies). Financial aid is typically available to well-qualified applicants. As an example, tuition for the LPN program at Fayetteville Technical Community College runs roughly $2,280. This does not include additional fees and supplies.

North Carolina LPN Licensing Requirements

In North Carolina, the applicant wishing to become an LPN must attend a board-approved nursing education program. After graduation, a copy of the official transcript needs to be sent directly to the North Carolina Board of Nursing and the graduate must register to take the NCLEX-PN. A criminal background check is also required. LPN licenses are only valid for 2 years and expire the last day of the individual’s birth-month. To renew the North Carolina LPN license, the applicant must fulfill one of the following requirements within the 2 years prior to expiration:

640 LPN hours plus 15 hours continued education

30 hours continued education

National certification or recertification

Board-approved refresher course

2+ semester hours of post-licensure nursing academics

15 hours continued education AND completion of a nursing project as the principal or co-investigator

15 hours continued education AND co-authoring a nursing-related published paper

15 hours continued education AND 5 hours developing or teaching a nursing presentation

NCLEX Exam Information

Upon graduating from a practical nursing program, all students must sit for and pass the NCLEX-PN exam for licensure. This exam covers a variety of nursing related topics and is intended to test the student’s aptitude. For a comprehensive overview of the NCLEX-PN exam, click here. Students are also encouraged to take the NCLEX-PN practice test at their leisure.

LPN Reciprocity and eNLC

North Carolina is one of the states that make up the Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact (eNLC), which allows nurses living in participating states to practice in other eNLC states without additional licensure. LPNs licensed outside of compact area states can apply for a North Carolina license by endorsement but can obtain a temporary license to cover them for 6 months while seeking state licensure. In order to receive a license via endorsement the applicant must submit proof of the following:

Completion of a state-approved education program comparable to North Carolina’s

Passing the NCLEX or SBTPE

Mentally and physically healthy and able to perform LPN tasks

Previous state licensure

Criminal background check

For those educated outside of the US, applicants can qualify to take the NCLEX by submitting educational documents and passing an English proficiency exam. They must also obtain a valid social security card and submit to a criminal background check.

LPN Salary in North Carolina By Area

The table below lists career information organized by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for licensed practical nurses in North Carolina. The table is sorted by total employment, with the largest metropolitan areas listed first.

Top Ranked North Carolina LPN Programs

1

Cape Fear Community College

411 N. Front Street, Wilmington, NC28401 - (910) 362-7000 -

Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) is an open-door, comprehensive community college with multiple locations in North Carolina. CFCC focuses on vocational, technical, associate degrees, and continuing education programs, as well as workforce development.

Overall Score: 100.00

2

Brunswick Community College

50 College Road, Bolivia, NC28422 - (910) 755-7300 -

Brunswick Community College is located in Bolivia, North Carolina, with additional locations in Leland and Carolina Shores. Brunswick Community College provides opportunities for success through accessible, quality programs and services, preparing students for professional technical careers or transfer programs, utilizing traditional and distance learning, as well as providing quality programs for workplace advancement.

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College

Located in Salisbury, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College provides a practical nursing program to prepare students for the NCLEX-PN examination so that they can enjoy rewarding careers as LPNs. This ACEN-accredited program boasts a curriculum that emphasizes evidence-based practice and participation in interdisciplinary healthcare teams.

Surry Community College

630 South Main St, Dobson, NC27017 - (336) 386-8121 -

The Practical Nursing program at Surry Community College prepares nursing students to enter the field with the knowledge and skills needed to provide nursing care to children and adults. Upon completion, students are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-PN. Once licensure is obtained, graduates can find employment in hospitals, rehabilitation/long term care/home health facilities, clinics, and physicians’ offices.

Edgecombe Community College

225 Tarboro St., Rocky Mount, NC27801 - (252) 823-5166 -

Edgecombe Community College’s Rocky Mount campus offers a practical nursing program designed to give students the skills and knowledge needed to provide safe, quality nursing care to patients across the lifespan. The curriculum includes coursework centered on healthcare, nursing practice, and the holistic individual.

Overall Score: 100.00

6

Lenoir Community College

231 Hwy 58 South, Kinston, NC28502 - (252) 527-6223 -

Lenoir Community College is a comprehensive, two-year institution located in Kinston, North Carolina, with additional locations in Snow Hill, Trenton, and LaGrange. Lenoir offers associate degrees, diplomas, certifications, transfer programs, continuing education, and workforce development programs accessible through traditional coursework as well as distance learning options.

James Sprunt Community College

133 James Sprunt Drive, Kenansville, NC28349 - (910) 296-1429 -

James Sprunt Community College, located in Kenansville, offers a practical nursing program to prepare students for employment in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. Enrolled students take a mix of courses in which they are encouraged to participate in assessment, planning, implementing, and evaluating nursing care for children and adults. Upon completion they will be eligible to take the NCLEX-PN exam.

Gaston College

201 Highway 321 South, Dallas, NC28034 - (704) 922-6200 -

Gaston College (GC) is a premier postsecondary educational resource located in Dallas, North Carolina, with additional campuses located in Lincolnton and Belmont. GC is an open-door community college that promotes student success and lifelong learning through comprehensive educational programs and services.

Wayne Community College

3000 Wayne Memorial Drive, Goldsboro, NC27534 - (919) 735-5151 -

At Wayne Community College, graduates of the practical nursing program are prepared to find employment in hospitals, rehabilitation and long-term care, home health facilities, clinics, and physicians’ offices. Preparation includes classroom, laboratory, and clinical practice. Once students complete the program, they are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-PN.

Robeson Community College

5160 Fayetteville Rd, Lumberton, NC28360 - (910) 272-3700 -

Robeson Community College's 44-credit LPN program is located in Lumberton. RCC's competitive program curriculum includes courses in Anatomy & Physiology, General Psychology and much more. Graduates go on to find employment in a number of healthcare areas.